Instrumental Analytical Methods, 15 credits

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
After completing the course the student should be able to

• describe concepts about instrumental techniques such as infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, x-ray fluorescence and related techniques,
• describe theories for mass spectrometric detection of elements and organic compounds,
• describe the underlying theories regarding the design of mass spectrometric and coupled techniques,
• describe the different types of ionization techniques, mass analysers as well as coupled techniques, and
• process and interpret mass spectra and describe common fragmentation mechanisms.

Skills and abilities
After completing the course the student should be able to

• independently plan and perform analysis using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and inductively coupled plasma coupled with mass spectrometry (ICP-MS),
• interpret quantitative and qualitative data from chromatograms and mass spectra,
• independently evaluate experimental data from the practical modules,
• describe the produced results both orally and in written form, and
• identify own needs for additional knowledge and take responsible for own knowledge development.

Evaluation ability and approach
After completion of the course the student will have

• the ability to evaluate and choose different analytical instrumental methods based on the properties of the target elements, organic compounds and sample properties,
• developed the skill to evaluate and critically appraise measurement data as well as theoretical interpretations, and
• the ability to search and evaluate relevant scientific information within the subject area.

Content

Analytical chemistry has developed into a sophisticated applied field of chemistry that relies in continuous evolving instrumentation and data processing tools. Knowledge of traditional and novel techniques and methods is of great importance in assessing environmental and health impacts, conducting forensic investigations, and development and analysis of pharmaceuticals. This course comprehensively covers the theory and applications of diverse instrumental methods, such as FTIR, XRF and SEM. Special emphasis is given ICP, GC, LC and coupled mass spectrometric analysers such as qMS, qqqMS, qToF, Orbitrap-MS, and IMS-MS. In addition to the use of mass spectrometric detection, the course also explores the mass spectra data pre-processing and interpretation of mass spectrometric data. Practical aspects are reinforced through laboratory work, where various mass spectrometric techniques are applied or demonstrated, and discussions, focusing on new developments on instrumental analytical methods and data analysis tools.

The course consists of three sub-courses (Module1, 2 and 3):

Module 1: Instrumental Methods – FTIR, XRF, SEM and Related Techniques, 2,5 Credits

This module covers theory and application of techniques such as FTIR, XRF, SEM and related techniques for the analysis of elements, organic compounds, and materials.

Module 2: Instrumental Methods – Mass Spectrometry and Coupled Techniques, 8,5 Credits

This module covers theory and practical applications of ICP, LC, GC and coupled mass spectrometric techniques for the analysis of elements and organic compounds.

Modul 3: Advanced Topics in Mass Spectrometry - Practice, 4 Credits

This module covers high-resolution mass spectra data pre-processing, interpretation of mass spectrometry data (with focus on electron ionization mode), and recent advances in mass spectrometry instrumentation and data processing tools.

Examinations and grades

Module 1: Instrumental Methods – FTIR, XRF, SEM and Related Techniques

Instrumental Methods – FTIR, XRF, SEM and Related Techniques - Theory/Practice, 2.5 credits (Code: A003)
Grades used are Fail (U) or Pass (G).

Module 2: Instrumental Methods – Mass Spectrometry and Coupled Techniques

Instrumental Methods – Mass Spectrometry and Coupled Techniques - Theory, 5.5 credits (Code: B002)
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Instrumental Methods – Mass Spectrometry and Coupled Techniques - Laboratory Work, 3 credits (Code: B003)
Grades used are Fail (U) or Pass (G).

Modul 3: Advanced Topics in Mass Spectrometry - Practice

Advanced Topics in Mass Spectrometry - Theory, 3 credits (Code: C001)
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Advanced Topics in Mass Spectrometry - Practice, 1 credits (Code: C002)
Grades used are Fail (U) or Pass (G).

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may determine which grading system is to be used. The grade must be determined by a teacher specifically nominated by the university (the examiner).

In accordance with university regulations on grading systems for first and second-cycle courses and study programmes (Vice-Chancellor’s decision ORU 2018/00929), one of the following grades is to be used: fail (U), pass (G) or pass with distinction (VG). For courses included in an international master’s programme (60 or 120 credits) or offered to the university’s incoming exchange students, the A to F grading scale is to be used. The vice-chancellor, or a person appointed by them, may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special grounds for doing so.

The grades used on this course are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Comments on grades

To obtain a passing grade for the whole course, a minimum of grade E is required for all theoretical modules as well as Pass (G) on the continuous assessment and laboratory work. To arrive at a course grade, the grades awarded for each Written examination assignment, grades A-E, are first converted to the numerical values 5-1. An average value is then calculated, also considering the number of credits for each module in relation to the total number of credits for the course. The course grade is thus awarded by means of a weighted average of the theoretical modules included on the course.

Modes of assessment

Module 1: Instrumental Methods – FTIR, XRF, SEM and Related Techniques

• Instrumental methods – FTIR, XRF, SEM and related techniques - Theory/Practice (code A003): Continuous Assessment

Module 2: Instrumental Methods – Mass Spectrometry and Coupled Techniques

• Instrumental methods – Mass spectrometry and coupled techniques - Theory (code B002): Written exam
• Instrumental methods – Mass spectrometry and coupled techniques - Laboratory Work (code B003): Practical examination and written assignment/oral examination

Modul 3: Advanced Topics in Mass Spectrometry

• Advanced topics in mass spectrometry - Theory (code C001): Written exam
• Advanced topics in mass spectrometry - Practice (code C002): Continuous Assessment

If a student is absent from a mandatory course component, the examiner determines if the student will be able to make up for the component during another scheduled class of the same kind. Otherwise, the student is referred to the next time the course is offered. As an exception the examiner may decide on substitute assignments. These shall then be carried out before or shortly after the end of the course.

For students with a documented disability, the university may approve applications for adapted or other modes of assessment.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations.

Specific entry requirements

45 Credits in Chemistry, including Analytical Chemistry. Additionally another 15 Credits in Chemistry or Biology.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations.

Other provisions

The languages of instruction are Swedish and/or English. The course is given in English if there are exchange students registered.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

Transitional provisions

Students who have commenced but not completed the course as prescribed in the version of the syllabus in force in the autumn semester 2020, are entitled to take the examination Mass Spectrometry an Related Techniques - Theory, 6,5 credits (examination code A001), Mass Spectrometry and Related Techniques - Practicals, 3 credits (code A002) and Interpretation of Mass Spectrometric Data, 5,5 credits (code B001) within a period of 12 to 18 months from 2024-09-02.

Reading list and other learning resources

Required Reading

McLafferty, Fred W. & Turecek, Frantisek (Latest edition)
Interpretation of Mass Spectra
University Science Books

Additional Reading

de Hoffmann, Edmond & Stroobant, Vincent (Latest edition)
Mass Spectrometry. Principles and Applications
John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

Additions and Comments on the Reading List
Scientific articles, laboratory instructions and other reading materials will be added.